Stenomacrus

Stenomacrus

Description

Length 2-6mm. The face is strongly convex and seamlessly fused with the clypeus (forming a uniformly convex surface with no separating groove). The labrum is exposed (visible beneath the clypeus margin), distinguishing it from some related genera. Mandibles are slender, strongly tapered, and twisted inwards, featuring a reduced lower tooth that is often much shorter than the upper tooth. Scape (the basal segment of the antenna) is long and subcylindrical (at least twice as long as wide). Mesosoma (thorax) generally smooth and polished with notauli (blades/grooves on the mesoscutum) usually absent or heavily reduced. The areolet (the small closed cell in the middle of the fore wing) is typically absent. Metasoma (abdomen): The first tergite has its spiracles located anterior to the midlength. The ovipositor is short, typically shorter than the apical depth of the metasoma, and is straight or only slightly curved. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Habitat

Stenomacrus species are primarily specialize as parasitoids of fungus-breeding flies, specifically Diptera of the family Sciaridae (dark-winged fungus gnats) and occasionally related Mycetophilidae. Larval koinobiont endoparasitoids. This means the female wasp oviposits inside a living fly larva, allowing the host to continue growing and feeding before the parasitoid larva eventually consumes it from the inside out, typically pupating inside or near the host remains. Because their sciarid hosts thrive in damp environments rich in decaying plant matter, fungi, or damp soil (including greenhouses, leaf litter, and rotting wood), Stenomacrus species are frequently encountered in moist woodlands, shaded undergrowths, and occasionally agricultural or greenhouse settings where fungus gnats become pest burdens.

UK Status

Common but under recorded. 

VC55 Status

Unknown.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured squares = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records